Expressions from our youth as we recognize the 2-year mark of the earthquake in Haiti. This section is open for comments during the week of January 12th.
Name: Hernice
Age: 22
City: Camp-Perrin, Haiti
Background: Lives in Haiti, had family in Port-au-Prince at time of earthquake, was a participant in THE SPARK of Le Flambeau program at time of earthquake and continues to participate.
Hernice’s Perspective: In such a date, I am more than proud, flattered and honored to share my perspective in memory of a great event in the history of my country, Haiti and all those who died, injured and up to date terrified and traumatized, the Earthquake of January 12, 2010.
We all know, over 300,000 thousand deaths and Port-Au-Prince and surrounding almost reduced to powder and under the rubles, just a few seconds and we could not even see the blue sky that has lost its color because of the dust of our lives and our buildings crushed. We had all weakened soul, tormented and upset and the only thing everyone had in mind was “find his own, or hear from them” despite the limited means and hope we have left.
Although some think and believe that the earthquake of January 12, 2010 was and would still only one loss, total Haitian loss of social, economic, tourist, cultural, political capacities properties and wealth etc.. However, after some time of analysis and having work with youth groups of reflections on the reconstruction of Haiti and in the Spark of the Flambeau Foundation, I have come to the conclusion that “it was not only a loss but a gain also “and I realized how much this earthquake has changed my life. Some young people wanted me to have pronounced the sentence “it was not only a loss but a gain also” because we’ve all lost loved ones and even our hopes of continuing our studies and our dreams, but I went to above all because this event has opened my eyes and it’s true. It took an event like this for us to realize the situation and the disgraceful conditions in which we all lived in Haiti, to discover the real problems of the Haitian society at all levels which had to be resolved for a long time and how that our former political leaders have ignored these problems, fled these, pretending to ignore it for fear to face reality. My eyes are open to the weaknesses of the entire system of our society. One thing was sad, but one side was for me important and necessary in this event: all was lost and it would allow us to reconsider, again to zero, reconcile, rethink, renew and build better, not just buildings as in the past but a Haitian Nation, a positive vision of freedom, equality and fraternity, not only for today but for a promising future for Haiti and each of his son. A new exit door is opened after the event!
The earthquake has not changed only this in my life, you know, because after all, this was an opportunity for me to realize that me and the youth of Haiti no longer have the right to fail anymore, my commitments, my responsibilities, my role in society become more massive and more important and even necessary in the development of Haiti, in the life of my family and those who live around me, as a young leader and future. Someone, “Flaubert PHILDOR, my uncle, the only one in my family who had a profession, awarded (licensed) in Legal Science died in this event. He was for us the only hope of the family, a way out for us”. When I’ve heard the news, I felt more responsible for my future and my family, more and more efforts to accomplish, and a longer way to go. During these two years, I always continue doing my activities and any Debate between young and influencing them as much as possible, taking a course in mechanical industry, and my main activity is the Spark of Le Flambeau Foundation , which permit me learning a lot, proving my ability, my leadership, sharing my dreams and my passion for the reconstruction and bright future for Haiti. This program also allows me to have temper on me, and hope for a better future for our Youth. I also take this opportunity to say again a special “THANK YOU” to the Le Flambeau Foundation and the US young students for their belief and confidence in the Haitian youth and for all their supports.
I remain to believe that the January 12, 2010 earthquake, despite its damage, its consequences, the tension of its destruction, has given and bring us so many lessons, we were able to know us and our problems, our mistakes, the current situation and condition in which we lived, our friends and how the International Community helps us and we were dependable for Haiti. Since then, I see the future, that we have an open door that gives us all the opportunities to reconsider, again to zero, reconcile, rethink, renovate and build more buildings and not just as in the past but a Haitian Nation, a positive vision of freedom, equality and fraternity, not only for today but for a promising future for Haiti and each of his son. A new exit door is opened after the event! I also see myself in the future as a leader and every time I will do something good it would be in memory of all those who lost their lives in this event, those who have survived, those who help us and our ancestors.
I see a bright Haiti and a successful Youth! As Le Flambeau believes, The Torch is Lit!
Name: Angie
Age: 20
City: Miami
Background: Lives in the U.S., was working with youth in Haiti via THE SPARK of Le Flambeau program at time of earthquake.
Angie’s Perspective: The catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010 affected me greatly. I was struck by images in the media that displayed the loss of countless lives and the devastation in its aftermath. The damage was unprecedented. Despite this, I was inspired by the worldwide concerted effort to provide humanitarian aid to the country. I became hopeful as I saw the outpouring of help, from my own neighbors and friends and individuals on the other side of the globe.
The Spark of Le Flambeau was in session when the earthquake struck. Upon hearing of the earthquake, I immediately thought of the program’s participants in Haiti. News that they were all unharmed brought relief to me. In the weeks following the earthquake, The Spark held a special session requesting its participants to express their feelings about the effects of the earthquake. I was incredibly inspired by the responses of the participants in Haiti. I read their first-hand accounts of the destruction, but I could tell that the earthquake did not destroy one thing: their hope. The earthquake increased their determination to help make a better future for Haiti.
Last year, I had the pleasure of personally meeting one of these participants, Ruchama Charles, when she visited Miami after having spent a semester studying in the United States. Ruchama’s talent, drive, and passion were evident, and she continues to inspire me to this day. Because of their determination, Ruchama and the rest of Haiti’s youth show me that the future of Haiti, and that of the world, is indeed bright.
Name: Ruchama
Age: 27
City: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Background: Lives in Haiti, was in Port-au-Prince at time of earthquake, was a top participant in THE SPARK of Le Flambeau program and now mentors youth, recipient of the Le Flambeau Foundation Earthquake Scholarship and recent recipient of a full four-year college scholarship in the U.S.
Ruchama’s Perspective: Haiti, the world’s first black republic and the first independent nation in the region after it won independence in 1804 in a slave revolt against Napoleonic France. Its history has been shaped by profound political disarray, chaotic rule marked brutal repression.
A January 12 like today, what a beautiful and sunny day it was in the morning! Both our dear country and his children could not predict what would happen a few minutes before 5:00 PM. Suddenly, a powerful earthquake of 7.0-magnitude – the biggest recorded in this part of the Caribbean – and the largest to hit Haiti in more than 200 years. It knocked our door and carried off many of our brothers and sisters, destroyed our heritage, spread fear and disarray on this territory.
January 12, an unforgettable date for Haiti! By thinking of it this morning, it brings tears to my eyes. Yes, we (Haitian People) cannot forget it because tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday. And despite of all hindrances, we stand up because we are a strong nation. Strength today for hope tomorrow! January 12, 2010 – January 12, 2012, exactly two years, Yes, we remember everything However, it’s time to see where we are and where we will be, because it’s a duty for us to move forward!
I personally learned from the earthquake and it has changed my life. I have learned how to cooperate more with people, to be more patient and comprehensive. After the earthquake, I was the first recipient of the Le Flambeau Foundation Earthquake Scholarship, attended North Central Missouri College and completed the program as of May 8, 2011 and will be back in Missouri for a 4-year scholarship. It was a dream that I cherished for years, and finally I am on my way to achieve it. I am already on a good runway!
Returning to Haiti and developing educational initiatives for youth, a captain to register and help young people for The Spark of Le Flambeau Language exchange program is the most passionate thing I could ever like to do. What I am doing now, it’s all about serving others. I believe in helping people because every time you reach someone, he or she will reach another one, thus, we will have a better and prosperous Nation. I feel a breath of hope blows over Haiti; Education has been always the key for a society to succeed. This academic year, thousands of children who were unable to go to school had the opportunity to attend classes; many people who lived in the tents now have a decent place to live in, changing this critical situation to a better one and many other things start happening for a better future. Today, we reconsider and rethink for a better and sustainable Haiti. The Haiti future is bright!
Name: Mike
Age: 22
City: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Background: Lives in Haiti, was in Port-au-Prince at time of earthquake, is a participant in THE SPARK of Le Flambeau program.
Mike’s Perspective: I have constantly and globally acquired substantial knowledge about earthquake in various countries –like Japan, USA etc. through articles, blog sites and magazines even before and after it happened and destroyed different regions in Haiti. Since my researches I never found out that it’s noted somewhere it could cause the extinction of more than 300.000 including seriously injured people. After, I first experienced it in January 12, 2010 including after sharks and I was eyewitness of all the damages that occurred. I then realized that this is one of the most serious case or matter that should quickly be taken into account just in case of its eventual recurrence since it’s historically and naturally predicted.
Although, it has psychically left memorable scars in everyone’s mind, especially mine. Because I have never seen it so terrible in my whole life before. However, it has totally changed my life. Since experience comes after several mistakes, victory and success after several defeats. And more training brings tones of abilities. I have been magnified and fortified. My strategies have highly increased by the way I have been excelling, collecting and using my skills to help others. I could say that the earthquake is connected to any activities that I am undertaking now. However, it is really touching my heart. Until now, tears cannot stop pouring out of my eyes for all the people that we lost including families and close friends. For instance, few days after the earthquake I dedicated myself as a volunteer to translate for those that got injured. But, the worse and saddest side of it is too many people with no exception lost their lives right before my eyes because of medical health care which really means that Haiti is so far from what advantages other countries offer to its citizens. We are all victims of Jan. 12, 2010 event. We lost families and close friends. They will never be out of our minds. So, we have to move on to the next step in order to achieve the dreams. We still can move mountains by faith just like God said. We just have to try harder and harder. Because nothing comes easy. We cannot let these moments pass into ashes. We have to stand united and fight for our motherland where education is the only key to success.
Ultimately, We, Haitians, are the brilliant hopes and future of our new Haiti. I, myself, dream of a lasting structure and future for Haiti where I am now playing my role as a citizen. And I will never forget that the more we are together, stronger we must be.
Haiti Sincerely yours,
Mike
Name: Schneider
Age: 25
City: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Background: Lives in Haiti, was in Port-au-Prince at time of earthquake, is a participant and a team mentor in THE SPARK of Le Flambeau program.
Schneider’s Perspective: I still believe in a bright future for Haiti.
As I reach back to some of my more personal experiences, the memories are inestimably afflicting. I can remember bumping into dead bodies trapped in rubbles in every corner of Port-au-Prince from looking for dear ones that were missed. Reflecting back to that same time, I can still hear the voices of those in agony, snapped down under slabs, echoing to my ears, “Mommy, daddy, don’t let me perish!” “Mommy, daddy, come rescue me!” That was the most heartbreaking scene of tragedy I’ve ever lived in my life.
Besides the death toll and injured people the earthquake has caused, it has left millions in mourning, disoriented and displaced running around with a state of the most shocking and phenomenal event of their lives. A study by the Inter-American Development Bank estimated that the total cost of the disaster was between $ 8 and 14 billion.
January 12 of 2010 is a turning point to my life. It has affected me both directly and indirectly. As a Haitian, I sympathize to all those, especially to all Haitian citizens that have lost their lives in the earthquake. What’s affected me the most is the loss of my closest friends – friends that used to be available for me in all circumstances, friends to whom I used to be able to share my most sorrowful moments, as well as my happiest time, friends that used to be most supportive even in my worst wrongdoings in life, friends that are irreplaceable and to whom I put the majority of my trust! The vanishment of those dear ones has become the most unbearable and painful memory in my life and discourages me from rebuilding strong relations similar to those ones in the fear of losing them again inadvertently someday.
As long as Haiti continues to have people that care enough about education, I believe Haiti will successfully change. I personally want to commit myself and my talents to support education in Haiti. And, the fact that the new government of Haiti was able to help 930,000 new children attend school this year is the dawn of the successful change. A country led by visionary leaders will always thrive. And, I believe Haiti is at this state right now – being led by leaders of visions. I think the recent inauguration of “Université Roi Henry Christophe” is also a great sign of educational advancement. This is the first time of all Haiti’s history it has ever inaugurated a university of such standard. After the earthquake, about 1.5 million of people were obligated to live in tents, however only about 600,000 of people are now living in tents. These are just a few of the many accomplishments in Haiti since the earthquake.
Finally, As overwhelming as the earthquake can be, we will not let it win us over. We can understand disaster causes loss, provokes mourning, creates discouragement, but our soul is beyond all of those defeats after all. Haiti will not perish, nor stay undeveloped, but will thrive, thrive and thrive again until it becomes the Caribbean Pearl again!
Name: Adlin
Age: 12
City: Miami
Background: Originally from Port-au-Prince Haiti, was 10 years old at time of earthquake and living in the U.S., had/has family in Port-au-Prince, travelled to Haiti shortly after the earthquake.
Adlin’s Perspective: It was in the year of 2010 on january the 12th a devastating earth-quake hit Haiti. Most of my brothers and my sisters were in need of help. As the earth shook they feared but at the same time they did not know what to fear , that I can never forget. As their souls rise from their bodies those who lost faith they wondered the world but thoes who kept their faith went to their kingdom but when it comes to a end it was all in God plan there is no limit to what God can do. I was not there but when I heard the story I felt like I was there.
Name: Katsia
Age: 15
City: Miami
Background: Originally from Port-au-Prince Haiti, was 13 years old at time of earthquake and living in the U.S., had/has family in Port-au-Prince.
Katsia’s Perspective: Can you hear the rumble underneath the ground? Innocent faces walking around, not knowing what must to come, DESTRUCTION !!, it was said and done. Lost faces wondering around, crying their hearts out, and falling to the ground. It hit them so fast that some of my people’s wasn’t found. Where are all the people in this town.
January 12, 2010 was, was just an ordinary day. People in their houses, where they stay. kids in school or on the street selling goods trying to make a living. People are laughing showing their love for their country singing OHHHH Haiti, Belle Haiti. As the time tic and the earthquake toc, there were some who received an warnings of what must to come, showing them there will be an earthquake, and that we must prepare. Those who believed that God was talking to them they spread the word. At the same time there were rebellious people who didn’t have faith in God. he was giving us a chance to change, but some took his name in vain. When the earthquake struck, blood was shed, people crying, children lost, people in pain, people praying, kids dieing, but it was to late.
Now its a new start. its like replacing a damage car with new parts. Reconstructing Haiti is in process, and I know we’re are making progress. Act now and support my country. We all want to see was make it through. “L’union fait la force”, to all my Haitians.
Name: Raphaelle
Age: 16
City: Miami
Background: Living in the U.S., was 14 years old at time of earthquake, has family in Port-au-Prince.
Raphaelle’s Perspective:
Nou Pap Janm Bliye: We will never forget
It has been two years since the people of Haiti have been affected by the earthquake. Even those who did not experience it have sympathy for the tragic event that tore many families apart. Today, I open up and tell those about my own experiences and about the hope I have for my country.
It was not until I came home late that night, that I realized what had happened. I came home from dance class to see my dad in front of the TV almost in tears; and my father never cries. The house phone would not stop ringing. Family members were calling to keep us informed about our relatives back in Haiti. The earthquake brought me closer to my family and to all of my Haitian friends. Before the earthquake hit Haiti, I had just learned to appreciate where my parents came from. The earthquake, though very horrific, came with the upside that I know feel more connected with the Haitian culture. From what I have seen, every Haitian that I have met since January 12, 2010 has been more open and respectful to one another.
The earthquake hit in 2010, my freshmen year in high School. Today, two years later, I am a junior. I live with my mom and my sister, because my dad has been working in Haiti since the earthquake. Even though he visits every couple of months, life is still very difficult at home. Together as a family, we try to make sure that my sister and I participate in any possible activity that helps raise money for Haiti as well as participate in any small activity to help spread the word, that though the country may have its problems it is still a beautiful place with lots of potential.
I see hope for my Haiti, but those living in Haiti need to have hope for their country as well. Until this day, nothing big has changed; the people of Haiti are still struggling. In the future, I would personally love to find a way to return back to Haiti. The last time I was their, was when I lived with my grandparents, I was about 1-2 years of age. I don’t remember anything about Haiti. I want to try and find any possible way to help out because Haiti is to me, my home country.